One of the most controversial films of recent times has found its way into the Netflix top 10. It’s about The Hunt (2020) starring Hilary Swank and Betty Gilpin, directed by Craig Zobel. The film is currently in ninth place in the worldwide Netflix top 10.
Hunting people
In The Hunt we see how twelve workers from different walks of life are kidnapped by a group of elite people led by Athena, played by Swank. The twelve, unknown to each other, wake up in a clearing and have no idea where they are or how they got there. They do not know that they are victims of ruthless elites who come together every now and then to hunt people as a sport. However, the hunters are surprised when one of their prey, Crystal, turns the tables and outsmarts them.
Controversy and reactions
The controversy surrounding The Hunt arose mainly due to the way the film was associated with political divisions, especially after Donald Trump tweeted about the film. The idea that a group of elites is preying on people emerged at a sensitive time, shortly after the mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, sparking a social debate about violence in films and its impact on society. Trump, who did not mention the film by name, tweeted that the film was made to cause unrest and that the violence in the film was staged to blame others. After all the commotion the film caused, the premiere was postponed.
6.6Beeld: Still ‘The Hunt’ via TMDb